Synthetic cannabinoids

Published on July 11, 2024 at 8:00 / Updated on July 25, 2024 at 8:00

Synonyms	The most common synonyms are: Albino Rhino Buds, Aroma, Blueberry, Blueberry Hawaiian, Bombay Blue, Bubble gum, Caneff 5 star, Chillin XXX, Citrus, Cloud 9, D-Raw, Dark Matter, Dream, Eruption, Everlast, Ex-ses (Platinum), Experience: Chill, Experience: Ignite, Experience: Red Ball, Fusion, Galaxy, Genie, Gorilla, Grape, Grape Hawaiian, Hawaiian, Hawaiian hurricane, Hawaiian passion, Hawaiian ultra, Hawaiian vacation, Hayze Spice (13 spice, Herb Dream, Herbal kush, Herbal potpourri, Ice Bud Extra Cold, Incense blend, K2, Kronic, Krypto Buds, Magic, Mojo, Moon Rocks, Orange, Pep Spice, synthetic pot, Purple, Sence, Smoke, Solar Flare, Space, Space Truckin', Spice, Spice Arctic Synergy, Spice Diamond, Spice Gold, Spice Gold Spirit, Spice Silver, Spice Tropical Synergy, Spice99 (Ultra), SpiceWorld420, Spicey XXX, Spike99, Splice Platinum, Star Fire, Strawberry Hawaiian, Strawberry kush, Trainwreck, Watermelon kush, White, Yucatan Fire, Zohai, Zohai SX
Classification	Hallucinogen, dissociative: Causes users to see, hear or feel things that do not exist. Causes a feeling of dissociation.
Visual description	Combination of dried plant material (often lettuce) that is sprayed with chemicals that produce potent effects similar to those of cannabis. There are many combinations available and their exact composition is often unknown. The product is usually packaged in small sealed foil packets or clear plastic bags.
Mechanism of action	Similar to that of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient found in cannabis. Synthetic cannabinoids however, bind more strongly to the receptors than THC, which explains why their effect is stronger and often unpredictable.
Routes of administration	Smoked and ingested (added to certain foods).

Effects sought out by the user

The effects of synthetic cannabinoids often resemble those of marijuana, but are much stronger.

Enhanced sensory perceptions
Euphoria (high)
Feeling of well-being

Laughter (outbursts of laughter)
Sense of calm and relaxation

Common toxic effects

Difficult to foresee due to the lack of information and the countless combinations possible.

Agitation
Anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks
Confusion
Convulsions
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Excessive sweating
Hallucinations

Increased blood pressure
Infarct
Loss of short-term memory
Nausea and vomiting
Red eyes
Shortness of breath
Sleep disturbances
Tremors

Overdose effects

Ataxia (lack of coordination)
Coma
Death

Respiratory depression
Sedation
Slurred speech

Effects associated with chronic use

The long-term effects on the body and central nervous system (brain) are largely unknown at this time. They can be felt after regular and prolonged use and can persist long after stopping.

Cognitive disorders
Onset or worsening of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia in those with a predisposition or prior history
Respiratory tract irritation if the product is inhaled

Tolerance (need to increase the dose to feel the same effect)

Yes (fast)

Addiction

Chronic use can lead to dependence.

Withdrawal

Yes, symptoms are similar to those of marijuana:

Anxiety
Cravings
Depression
Headache
Insomnia and nightmares
Irritability
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Sweating
Tremors

Onset and duration of action
Route of administration	Onset of action	Peak	Duration of action
Ingested	30 to 90 minutes	N/A	4 to 12 hours
Smoked	Instant	15 to 30 minutes	2 to 3 hours

Screening

Laboratory tests:

Synthetic cannabinoids are difficult to detect in the blood after smoking them. The problem, when it comes to screening, stems from the fact that the combination of substances is constantly changing.

Intoxication management

No antidote available.
Support: symptomatic treatment.

Many different street drugs are sold under the same name. Furthermore, nothing guarantees the quantity, purity or even the content of a street drug in spite of the fact that it may, in some cases, look like medication.

If you need help or want to learn more:

Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction

The drugs and pharmaceutical services featured on the familiprix.com website are offered by pharmacists who own the affiliated pharmacies at Familiprix. The information contained on the familiprix.com site is for informational purposes only and does not in any way replace the advice and advice of your pharmacist or any other health professional. Always consult a health professional before taking or discontinuing medication or making any other decision. Familiprix inc. and the proprietary pharmacists affiliated with Familiprix do not engage in any way by making this information available on this website.